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Reds Strike Late, Top Sox 2-1

Article Date: May 10, 2019

The Blue Sox came up just short in their second meeting with the defending champion Reds on Friday night at Osborne. Despite a three-hit night by Todd Romano and some well-struck balls by others in the lineup, the Sox mustered a single ninth-inning run, falling 2-1 with the tying run at third base.

Jakub Izold made his third start of the young season, tossing seven scoreless innings of eight total. In the bottom of the eighth, a close call at first went the Reds’ way to open the frame, then later, a two-out dunk down the left field line plated both of their runs.

The Sox came out swinging against the new pitcher in the top of the ninth, as Tommy Bottichio and Matt Hartwell reached base on a walk and an infield hit. A bunt by Jason Gilbreth moved courtesy runner Ernesto Sosa and Hartwell each up 90 feet, then a bunt single by Ryan Alexander plated Sosa and put men on the corners with one away. A strikeout brought the red-hot Romano to the plate, but with an open base, the Reds elected to walk him, which turned out to be the right choice, as the next hitter struck out to end the game.

The Sox look for their second win of the year this Sunday, when they visit the Sidewinders at Ward Park at 4 PM.